An interactive blog of the Florida Renewable Energy Association

Archive for April, 2006

On April 6th, Congress is still debating the merits of the Cape Wind Project, which is planned for the area between Martha’s Vinyard, Nantucket, and Cape Cod. Sen. Stevens of Alaska has introduced amendments to allow the governor of MA, Mitt Romney to veto the project without even stating a reason.

US Representative Don Young of Alaska also tried to kill the project by prohibiting siting within 1.5 miles of a navigation channel. Of course, the Global Positioning System used by ships is accurate to about 15 to 30 feet!

This project was to be the first USA offshore wind farm, one that would lessen the Nation’s dependency on oil. Oh, but wait, oil comes from Alaska’s Purdue Bay site, and lessening that flow would injure (reduce) Alaskan income. That might injure Sen. Stephen’s voting block.

This clip from the Cape Wind site may help in understanding why some want to fight windpower:

“Cape Wind’s proposal to build America’s first offshore wind farm on Horseshoe Shoal would provide three-quarters of the electricity used on Cape Cod and the Islands from clean, renewable energy – reducing New England’s reliance on imported energy. Cape Wind will create new jobs, lower electric costs, contribute to a healthier environment, increase energy independence and establish Massachusetts as a leader in offshore wind power. For more information visit www.capewind.org.”

Like this:

MELBOURNE, FLA. – Florida Tech will celebrate Earth Day on Saturday, April 22 with its Second Annual Florida Solar Music Fair. A variety of bands will turn out between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to make solar- and wind-powered music. Planners have also scheduled several speakers and are preparing exhibits to educate and enlighten on renewable energy and sustainable living. The fair will take place near the Clemente Center for Sports and Recreation south of University Boulevard. The Green Campus Group and the IEEE, Melbourne Section will sponsor the fair. This event is free. For more information, click here or send an e-mail to hrobinso@fit.edu.